Price hike as Ramadan nears
Friday, 11 June 2010
FASTING Muslims in Bangladesh were only rudely shocked during the last Ramadan when prices of essential foods and kitchen items soared in sharp contrast to the prior swearing by the commerce minister that such an happening would be assuredly prevented. Ramadan this year is drawing nearer and it appears that a repeat of last year's suffering would be reserved for the people.
The media carried reports recently about the failure of some businesses, which were selected beforehand by the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), to procure essential items such as sugar, pulses, etc., on a large scale. Reportedly, the related private parties could not fulfill the terms of their contracts with the TCB and were unable to supply the ordered-for essential items in time. If this is the case, then the TCB would be once again be unable to intervene in the markets by selling its kitchen items at reasonable prices during Ramadan to create pressure or competition on private sellers of these goods to likewise sell at comparative prices.
Some vested interest groups within the TCB which are alleged to have political connections, are reportedly trying to frustrate efforts for ensuring smooth supplies of some essential items to the market in terms of need when demand remains strong. Such groups are serving the interests of section of dishonest traders who are out to make fabulous gains at the expense of public sufferings. If the government is really serious about redeeming its electoral pledge to the people about maintenance of price stability, it should do all the needful to help augment supplies of kitchen items during the month of Ramadan or in times when demand remains strong. Otherwise, the people will suffer enormously.
Indeed, public interest demands a strong pro-active stance by the government in this matter.
Shabbir Karim
Lalmatia, Dhaka
The media carried reports recently about the failure of some businesses, which were selected beforehand by the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), to procure essential items such as sugar, pulses, etc., on a large scale. Reportedly, the related private parties could not fulfill the terms of their contracts with the TCB and were unable to supply the ordered-for essential items in time. If this is the case, then the TCB would be once again be unable to intervene in the markets by selling its kitchen items at reasonable prices during Ramadan to create pressure or competition on private sellers of these goods to likewise sell at comparative prices.
Some vested interest groups within the TCB which are alleged to have political connections, are reportedly trying to frustrate efforts for ensuring smooth supplies of some essential items to the market in terms of need when demand remains strong. Such groups are serving the interests of section of dishonest traders who are out to make fabulous gains at the expense of public sufferings. If the government is really serious about redeeming its electoral pledge to the people about maintenance of price stability, it should do all the needful to help augment supplies of kitchen items during the month of Ramadan or in times when demand remains strong. Otherwise, the people will suffer enormously.
Indeed, public interest demands a strong pro-active stance by the government in this matter.
Shabbir Karim
Lalmatia, Dhaka